Maxwell to be confirmed as Collingwood captain

Staff writers

NICK Maxwell will be confirmed as Collingwood captain for the fifth straight season on Tuesday morning after teammates supported his bid to continue in the role.

Maxwell has made no secret of his desire to remain skipper of the Pies, but coach Nathan Buckley opened up the debate last month when he said vice captain Scott Pendlebury and Luke Ball were both worthy successors.

Buckley said Maxwell had his full support, but that the decision on who would captain the club was down to the players rather than him.

Collingwood great Tony Shaw had called for Pendlebury to take the reins this season, but as at St Kilda, where Nick Riewoldt was confirmed as captain again last week, the Pies have opted for the stable, guiding hand of the experienced defender.

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In contrast, Carlton's Chris Judd and Richmond's Chris Newman, who took over the captaincy at the Tigers the same season Maxwell did at the Pies, have decided to relinquish the role. Both said the move was to help them concentrate on playing, rather than having to deal with the ever-increasing off-field responsibilities the captaincy brings.

The Collingwood leadership group will also be announced on Tuesday morning.

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''Personally, I've got no reason why Maxy wouldn't be [captain],'' said Buckley last month. ''But our players will choose their leadership group and who they choose to follow. And that process alone is good to explore, to see what we value at the the footy club.''

Buckley said Maxwell, Ball and Pendlebury were the standout leaders at the club. Ball missed most of last season with a knee injury, while Pendlebury showed his commitment to the Pies by signing a four-year contract last March.

Maxwell, who is out of contract at the end of this season, said recently he thought last season was one of his best.

''According to the coach and my reviews, last year was one of the best years I've had as a player,'' he said.